Around a quarter of people with tattoos do not like their ink and wish they could get rid of it. Thankfully laser tattoo removal is available to do just that. You no longer need to live with a piece of art on your body that you hate, but just how safe is laser removal?
How Does Tattoo Removal Work?
The laser used in tattoo removal uses high-intensity light to break up a tattoo’s colours by destroying the pigment. Different laser wavelengths are used depending on the colour, with black being the easiest colour to remove, but all colours can be broken up. Tattoo Removal Experts are skilled practitioners who can help you understand the process and reassure you about any safety concerns you might have, so your first step is a consultation where they can talk you through the process.
What Happens In A Consultation?
When you attend your initial consultation, they will look at the tattoo you want to get removed. This examination gives them the knowledge to decide how many sessions will be needed. Factors such as the size, age and colour of the piece will impact this decision. Your skin tone can also play a part in how easy it is to remove a tattoo. They will also see how deep the ink goes and ask general questions about your overall health.
Your First Removal Session
Like many things in life, the first session is always the most nerve-wracking. You don’t know what to expect, so to allay your fears, here is a short breakdown of what will happen. You will both wear protective goggles, as a laser can damage vision if you look directly at it without a shield. The laser is switched on and applied to see how your skin will react and help the practitioner decide on the most effective wavelength setting.
Will The Tattoo Disappear After The First Session?
Sadly not! It will take more than one session to achieve the best results. Larger tattoos take longer because the laser needs to pulse more to break up a more significant area of ink, and this can also mean the treatments take a bit longer because you may not feel like doing it all in one sitting. But, that said, you will undoubtedly be able to see a difference as the tattoo gets lighter after each session, including the first one.
Does Laser Tattoo Removal Hurt?
Getting a tattoo removed can be uncomfortable, but most people feel the pain is no worse than getting the ink in the first place. However, your tattoo removal artist is there to make things as comfortable as possible for you, so if you are finding it hard to cope with any pain, then speak up. They have numbing creams that will help ease the discomfort. The removal area can be a little sore after treatment, but aftercare between sessions is something that your professional will also discuss with you. They will explain any issues you may experience and how you should deal with them.